Harlow
I heard everything my mother spoke to me.
I hid her from this part of me because I didn’t want her to worry but now that I could have another chance at love with Camden, I needed her opinion.
I didn’t want my father to hear so I asked her to meet me here.
I came to her since I knew it took both her and my father a minute to get it right, so I trusted her judgment on this.
“I want to run because of the heartache I’ve already experienced but yesterday… he gave me what I’ve been yearning for. I missed him so much Ma.”
My head rested on her shoulder as tears fell from my eyes. I loved Cam with everything in me, but I didn’t know if this was the right decision. He knew how much love I held for him and that wasn’t enough to make him stay before. What made this time different?
“Men are the most confusing beings to try and understand. They never express anything until it’s too late.
When me and your father were having our rough moments, my mind was made up but his wasn’t.
I knew where I would end up and whose last name I would carry early on.
It took him almost three years to realize I was the one for him.
I didn’t rush or pressure him either. I let him make his mistakes and come back on his own.
However, I was boo’d up with someone when he came for me. ”
“What?”
“Girl yes. I didn’t stop my life for him, but I did know that whenever he came for me, I would leave whoever I was dealing with without a fuss. My heart never detached from him so although I was in a relationship, I always looked forward to him coming to scoop me up.”
“What happened to your boyfriend at the time?”
“I was honest with him from the jump. I told him where my heart lied and that I could never love him the way he wanted. He wanted to prove me wrong, so he kept pursuing me until I gave him a chance. He was a great distraction, but it never erased what I held for your father. See baby, some people just can’t be replaced. ”
Cam fell under that irreplaceable category. His charming ways were etched into my brain as well as his gentle responses to my overwhelming moments. He knew how to handle me and no one else ever thought to give it a try. While I was happy for his return, I was very much nervous for our future.
“He explained why he left.”
“Was it good enough to believe?”
“Yes ma’am. Too good if you ask me.”
“Harlow, I taught you to think of others and try to understand their struggles in order to know how to love and care for them. If him leaving was inevitable, then I need you to hop off your high horse and accept his apology and reasons for disappearing. However, any decision after that is detrimental to the cure for your heartbreak.”
“When I look at him, I see how happy we could be, but I’m instantly reminded of the five years he left me alone to deal with this on my own. Then Mya…”
“What about Mya?”
“Her and Cam have been in contact the entire time. She’s been giving him updates on me. Like, she wouldn’t even tell me anything and I don’t know how I feel about that,” I expressed.
“Speak with her first and then go from there. She might have her reasons as well sweetie.”
“I’m sick of all these damn secrets Ma. Excuse my language.”
“I know how you feel, and you have every right to be upset. These are two people who you love, and they opted out of keeping you from experiencing pain. I get it trust me.”
“I’m overwhelmed, Ma. Like, I want to smack both they asses but the love I hold for them won’t allow me to do so.”
“You getting a little too comfortable cursing. Watch your mouth,” she warned.
“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry.”
“I raised a strong, beautiful woman. Stop letting people’s actions dictate how you move.
There is nothing wrong with getting closure and walking away.
However, if your soul craves that man, give him a second chance.
It’ll bring you more sunny days than it will rainy ones and you’ll be relieved to have loved someone completely. ”
Nodding, I sat with her a little bit longer gaining the quality time I was in need of.
Today was officially Valentine’s Day and I had the opportunity to rekindle things with the love of my life or finally move on.
I was conflicted because love was so damn tricky and as a person who loved love, I wanted the true kind.
I wanted to believe that Cam was the only one that could supply that.
However, I was cautious to give him more of me.
Before coming to see her, I stopped by a store and grabbed her a few gifts.
She was an incredible woman and mother. She deserved all of the love in the world the way she held her family down and together.
I ran to the car to grab the bag and set of flowers.
When I returned, she had the biggest smile on her face.
Other than Mya, my mother was my best friend.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Ma. I hope you like it.” I handed it over and she went to digging. She pulled out a bag from Tiffany’s and instantly squealed with excitement.
“Thank you, baby girl!”
“You’re welcome. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, at least that’s what I heard,” I replied.
She opened the velvet box revealing the diamond bracelet she had eyed the last time we went shopping together. We weren’t the richest people, but we were financially comfortable. I figured she could use something of value from me other than a dinner and a homemade card.
“You are so me in my prime. I love you sweetheart.”
She stood and gave me a hug that I didn’t know I needed. I stayed wrapped in her arms feeling like a little girl once again. I loved that she was always available for me.
“I’m going to go home and get some rest. If you want to do dinner later just call.” She nodded, and we parted ways after another hug was given.
I returned to my car and turned my phone back on. When I did, notifications came ringing through. Most were from Mya and then I had a few from an unknown number. I disregarded the unsaved and returned besties phone call instead. It rang through and I was about to hang up when she finally picked up.
“Where the hell have you been?” she shouted into the receiver.
“Minding my business. Why you blowing me up like that and when the hell do you leave voicemails?” I questioned.
“Never mind all that. Are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because Cam came knocking on the door looking for you. Why did you leave him?”
“Because I’m grown and can do what I please. And why the fuck did you have direct contact with Cam for five years and not tell me? What kind of friend are you?”
“Your best friend. I kept that away from you because you didn’t need to stress or hurt any more than you already were. He wasn’t coming back until he was done handling business. I told him several times to reach out to you, but it was his choice to do so or not. You can’t be mad at me for that.”
“I can and I am. I’ll be at the house.”
I hung up and drove to the crib. I wasn’t as mad as I wanted to be because she was right.
Knowing that she was able to talk to him freely and me not receive a word from him would’ve been torture.
She did right but that was something that would’ve held me over.
I needed to know that I was thought about and maybe the chokehold would’ve eased up.
Cam was thought about from the first day we met.
I couldn’t forget that man or how content he made me.
He invested in my happiness and then he took it all away in the blink of an eye.
One smile from him would brighten my day and it seemed as if I had been going through the motions ever since he stepped away.
Now he was back and asking for me again. I didn’t know what to do.
By the time I made it home, the afternoon was approaching.
I was tired and needed to relax, not get any sleep but simply do nothing.
I knew what happened last night between me and Cam was going to open more confusing doors, so I was hoping for one peaceful day.
I wasn’t going to make it if I didn’t let my thoughts settle for once.
Opening the door, I walked inside to a path of roses that led to the living room. I followed it and saw Cam on one knee waiting for me. I instantly threw my hands over my mouth and the tears fell a mile a minute. His action had me speechless.
“W-what are you doing here?”
“Mya gave me the details on how to get in. I was prepared to wait for you.”
“Cam, you need to leave. I don’t think now is the right time to talk. I have a lot to sort out.”
“We can sort it out together, Low. I was crushed five years ago when I walked away from the love of my life. However, you were never forgotten. From the first day you introduced yourself and gave me that alluring smile, I’ve been locked in ever since.
I don’t deserve a second chance but I’m begging you for it.
Our love has always been true and genuine.
You have every right to be upset with me but I’m asking for you to be upset with me as my wife.
Don’t let a nigga off the hook until we’re fifty for all I care but do it as my wife.
I can’t allow you to be anyone else’s but mine.
I created heartbreak for you but I’m the only one that can mend you and love you the way you’re supposed to be loved.
I came back to claim what I’ve missed out on for years at a time.
I owe you babies, happiness, and peace. Marry me so I can fulfill my duties to you as a man, husband, and best friend. ”
He said everything right. I was no longer juggling the idea of us or moving on.
I was locked in on being his wife. For years I tried to get him out of my head, and I never succeeded.
No one else provided me with the ingredients I needed, and he knew it.
I was made for him and that was the reason I was a mess without him.
I would go crazy sitting up in my room thinking of him and now I knew why.
Cam was my end game and life wasn’t going to allow me to be happy if it didn’t include him.
“You promise to never leave me again? Wherever you go I want to be right there by your side. I don’t care where it is, I can’t take another dose of heartbreak, Camden.”
“Wherever I go, my wife will be by myside. I’m here to stay beautiful. I can promise you that.”
Nodding while releasing the pain, I gave him my hand and a diamond ring was placed on it. I was giving the same reaction to him that my mother gave to me. I wanted to go against my heart but that would’ve caused me more pain. I knew where I was supposed to be.
Pulling me into his arms, he placed his lips on mine and we shared a kiss that sealed us as one. I felt joy course through my veins as I accepted him back into my life. I loved that he said I could still be upset with him because I was, but I was going to do it as his wife.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Low. I love you.”
With the biggest smile on my face, I replied, “I love you, too, Camden.”